Two building site workers delivered far more than just home improvements at the Purbrook Estate in Bermondsey last month, writes Thomas Deacon…
Estate resident Ami gave birth to healthy baby boy David, after construction site manager Phil Pounder and resident liaison officer Keileigh McNamara, who both work for housing and regeneration company Keepmoat, rushed to help.
Ami didn’t know who to call, but as she had built up a friendly relationship with the staff they were her first port of call.
Ami said: “When I realised I had gone into labour I really panicked, but I knew Phil was always at the estate early and that Keileigh would be a fantastic support if she was around.
“I am lucky they were able to help me so quickly and David and I can’t thank them enough.”
Phil received a phone call from Ami at around 7am on July 14, and quickly rushed round to help her.
Phil said: “I stayed with her until the ambulance arrived but I must have looked shocked, especially when the paramedics asked if I was the father!”
While Phil waited at the estate for Ami’s birthing partner, colleague Keileigh accompanied her to the hospital in an ambulance with a car seat and hospital bag in tow.
Keileigh said: “Ami comes in to see us for a chat most days, she popped in the night before she went into labour and all seemed calm.
“Phil called me at around 7 o’clock the next morning, telling me Ami had gone into labour and that she was asking for me and she was in serious pain.
“It was a really stressful but amazing situation to be in first thing in the morning but we just wanted to make sure she felt safe and calm!”
Keepmoat are working with Southwark Council to refurbish properties on the Purbrook Estate.